Page 26 of Tempting a Lonely Lord
“We’re friends, still?” she blurted.Lordy, I sound like a silly girl.
“Yes. Of course we are.”
She nodded, swallowing the sudden lump in her throat. She wasfeelinglike a silly girl, too.
“Good! Because Baron Darkmoor’s ball is in a week, and if I attend, I want to be certain I can count on a dance.”
Her face heated. “O-of course. Yes. I would enjoy that very much. We are friends… are we not?”
“Yes. Yes, we are.” He paused and then said, “Would I be out of line to ask what you had wanted to speak with me about?”
She was silent for a moment. Finally, she looked up and said, “I’ve thought a lot about what Michael said. He’s very wise.”
“Yes, he is rather insightful, especially with animals.”
“Well, perhaps you… I mean, I wanted to ask you if you would ride with me. I haven’t ridden Winterborne in such a long time, I’ve developed a…”
“Fear? I would think that is normal. I saw men go through the same type of thing during the war. Considering how your father died… I’ve been wondering, was there an investigation?”
Bella thought about it. “They ruled it accidental, but I don’t recall any type of official investigation, other than the magistrate taking a look around where my father fell.”
“I believe Michael is right. It would do Winterborne a world of good for you to ride him.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Do you still have your father’s saddle and tack from that day?”
She wrinkled her brow and thought for a moment. “I heard a groom ask Uncle Stephen where to put it, but I never heard what he said. He was so distraught over my father’s death—we all were—that it was more than any of us could handle. I suppose it was eventually forgotten. We were fortunate that Winterborne had no more than a simple sprain. Why do you ask?”
“I suppose I am merely being overly thorough. Just the hazards of many years working for the Crown. But would you mind if I examined it? Perhaps there is something that the magistrate may have overlooked. Or perhaps there was some logical reason for the horse to rear up as he did,” he said, gazing into her eyes. “That horse loves you—as I’m sure he loved your father. And if I can do anything to reassure you, before you take Winterborne out for a ride, that is what I would like to do for you.”
“That is most kind of you, William. And yes, of course, you may look over the saddle and tack.” She smiled. “So… is that a yes? You’ll ride with me?”
“Yes. I would love to ride with you. But right now, I would like to do this,” he said, pulling her close. He covered her lips with his. It was a slow and unhurried kiss, as if they had all the time in the world. Bella felt a sudden release of the tension that had coiled through her over the past few days, to be replaced by a rush of warmth.
Her senses were filled with the scent of him, sandalwood, citrus, and leather mingled together, and she relaxed into him, her arms curled around the back of his head, fingering his golden curls.
William’s hands slid to her waist, steadying her, while the other lifted a strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. The world fell away as he kissed her again.
How many times had she dreamed of this moment? And now she was living it. William was kissing her. Her very first kiss. And it was glorious.
~*~
Chapter Ten
Bridgewater Manor
The day before the ball
The last five days had been filled with anticipation and joy. Bella and her grandmothers needed gowns for the Darkmoor ball, and shopping and fittings for the three of them had taken considerable time. There had been several fittings until, finally, the three women had everything they needed and were ready for the ball. It would be their official introduction to the local Society, and for reasons she couldn’t understand, Uncle Stephen was adamant that she look her best.
William and Michael had visited several times. As it happened, William asked if she’d like to ride the afternoon after the ball, and she looked forward to it, feeling for various reasons that she needed it as much as Winterborne.
Whenever she had a spare moment, she spent it with the horse, including rubbing him down and brushing him. Occasionally, she took him for a walk with the groom or simply spent time with him while reading her favorite book from a corner in his stall, where one of the stable hands had placed a chair. They comforted each other with their presence.
“Darling, you have a visitor,” Grandmère said, gliding into her room and shaking Bella from her reverie. A smile stretched across her face. “Your viscount is here.”
Bella felt her heartbeat quicken like a drum in her chest, its rapid rhythm echoing the excitement coursing through her veins. A tingling rush swept over her each time she found herself in William’s presence, sending delightful shivers down her spine. It was a sensation unlike any other, extending to a fluttering in her stomach that felt both intoxicating and unnerving, as if a swarm of butterflies had taken flight insideher. The world around her faded away, and all that mattered was the captivating spark between them whenever they were together.
“He’s notmyviscount,” she said, as if saying it aloud would deny that every inch of her heart had already claimed him.
“You know what I mean.” Her grandmother gave her a look of disbelief before tutting. “Don’t give it another thought. Anne and I will entertain him until you are ready. He’s a very handsome young man,” Grandmère practically sang as she left the room.
